Tax appraisers office to get in touch with homeowners to resolve facts

Posted: Wednesday, March 07, 2001

The Meeting: Board of Assessors, Tuesday

What happened: The Board of Equalization raised concerns about unprepared appraisers attending hearings, but Chief Appraiser Gary Udinsky said all appraisers were prepared.

Why you should care: The Board of Assessors and Board of Equalization are responsible for determining the value of 90,000 pieces of property in Chatham County.

The debate: Board of Equalization Interim Chairman Albert McMillan wants appraisers to come to hearings on time, prepared, and meet with homeowners to clarify discrepancies so the Board of Equalization can make fair decisions.

The Board of Assessors agreed lateness was unacceptable and said the tax appraisers' office would contact property owners to resolve fact disputes when hearings are rescheduled because of board questions. Udinsky asked any appraisers who have attended hearings unprepared to raise their hands and no one did.

What's next: The Board of Assessors will meet again March 21.

What they said:

"When one person appraises and another presents it, I think that's poor supervision. The appraisers are doing a good job but they can't go out there and present something they know nothing about."

-- Assessor Jackie Sommers

"I don't care who he (Udinsky) sends as long as they're prepared. He can show up himself."